OROVILLE — After a couple of postponements, a trial is ready to proceed in the case of a Paradise couple charged with allegedly whipping their adopted daughter to death and torturing another.

Attorneys representing Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz told Butte County Superior Court Judge Kristen Lucena they were ready to begin the trial on April 11.

The trial was initially set to begin in November, but was delayed so attorneys could review thousands of pages of evidence.

A second date for February was set aside in favor the April 11 date.

During Wednesday”s trial readiness conference, Lucena determined the trial would take place in her courtroom.

The prosecution alleges Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz used a length of quarter-inch plumber”s supply line to beat adopted daughters Lydia Schatz, 7, and Zariah Schatz, then 11, during separate “Biblical chastisements” on Feb. 4 and 5, 2010.

Lydia Schatz was taken to Feather River Hospital after the mother reported to 9-1-1 that she had stopped breathing. Zariah Schatz arrived at a Sacramento hospital in critical condition with whip-like marks before recovering.

The Schatzes have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, torture involving great bodily injury and misdemeanor child abuse. If convicted, each could face a maximum sentence of two life terms in prison.

Before the trial date, there will be an April 8 hearing for motions that should be considered before a jury is selected.

At that time, the defense will have an opportunity to respond to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey”s recent request to include hearsay evidence based on out-of-court statements from Zariah Schatz.

While Zariah Schatz will be called to testify, Ramsey said outside of court that she had also spoken to police and medical personnel after her sister”s death.

Staff writer Ryan Olson can be reached at 896-7763 or rolson@chicoer.com.

THE CASE: On Feb. 4 and 5, 2010, Elizabeth and Kevin Schatz of Paradise allegedly used a whip-like instrument to discipline two adopted daughters in separate incidents. The 7-year-old daughter stopped breathing and subsequently died from her injuries. The 11-year-old daughter suffered serious injuries but recovered.